Design of an efficient nano-scale configurable digital logic module using coplanar gates for quantum-based communication networks

Abstract

The electronic chip industry is moving toward downsizing, which places physical constraints on complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology. At lower threshold levels, the issues with current leakage and dissipated energy in CMOS have become apparent. As a result, researchers are exploring alternatives that could replace CMOS in the coming years. Quantum dot cellular automata (QCA), a recently created transistor-free structure with tremendous chip density, exceptionally low power consumption, and speedy processing operations, is one of the crucial technologies that can be utilized as a substitute for CMOS technology. The configurable logic module (CLM) is one of the most important digital structures that are useful in FPGA circuits. The previous configurable logic module suffers from a high occupied area and low speed, so it is necessary to solve all the previous shortcomings by implementing it in a suitable technology such as QCA to increase the efficiency of the entire field-programmable gate array (FPGA) circuit. If the programmable circuit is quick, power-conscious, and nano-sized, the effectiveness of high-end complex circuits like the FPGA is considerably increased. In the QCA, configurable systems are not addressed much. The present paper examines the exploration of the conception and implementation of an innovative CLM within the QCA framework, incorporating nano communication networks. A D flip flop, a programmable block (PB), and a multiplexer are used in the construction of the module under examination, which is enhanced with nano communication networks for improved functionality. This module’s durability can be ascribed to the skillful development of both sequential and combinational circuits, combined with the benefits of nano communication networks. The implementation of sophisticated circuits, such as 2-bit, 3-bit, and 4-bit slice designs for FPGA, demonstrates the suggested module’s flexibility and versatility. When compared to an identical circuit that already exists, the QCA-based 4-bit slice circuit that has been recommended has exhibited a considerable improvement in cell count and area. Compared to the best previous coplanar architecture, the suggested 4-bit slice performed 30 % and 40 % better regarding the area and cell count, respectively. In addition, when compared to the best 16-bit LUT design, the suggested structure has produced results that are 14.72 percent and 3.81 percent more effective regarding area and cell count, correspondingly. All the recommended circuits incorporating nano communication networks have been simulated using QCA Designer 2.0.3 technology.